Author Topic: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?  (Read 5763 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline IBMPCDOS5

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 58
  • I have no idea what to put here.
Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:24:54 »
Hey everyone!

I recently had the opportunity to try out a typewriter that just so happened to have a Model M keyboard embedded inside of it. I pressed a few keys and just loved it! I wanted a Model M but a few problems arised:

1. PS/2

2. $$$(?)

I'm well aware $120 isn't bad for a high quality keyboard but I'm a cheapskate. So, I checked my good friend Google for a better alternative, and there I saw a result; Unicomp, Inc. Turns out they make brand new Model M's and for an $80 price tag, I had to learn more. So, I beg the question: To buy, or not to buy, that is the question.
« Last Edit: Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:27:14 by IBMPCDOS5 »

Offline Mynameislol

  • Posts: 8
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:38:14 »
You are in luck, i just recieved my new unicomp keyboard after having used a regular Model M for 4 years!

The built quality is worse, but not that noticable, but i do love the feel of the unicomp keys alot more! They feel alot more clean, prehaps a bit lighter even?
I have also tried a typewriter with buckling springs in it (i have it here at home), and the typewriter feels alot heavier, and more sticky (though it has been gathering dust for 30 years) than a regular IBM Model M.

If i were you, i would get the unicomp! Just be sure never to plug it into a USB Hub that is overvolted (my previous unicomp died because of that :( )

Heres a picture of it


Offline IBMPCDOS5

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 58
  • I have no idea what to put here.
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:51:33 »
Thanks! Here's a question; should I get the beige case or the black case? I've heard the beige cases are terrible quality, but maybe that's just the 101/104 versions.

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:02:20 »
Thanks! Here's a question; should I get the beige case or the black case? I've heard the beige cases are terrible quality, but maybe that's just the 101/104 versions.

People love to complain about Unicomp. Their quality control is not as demanding as IBM's was "back in the day" but the products are still perfectly good, and with warranty, choices, etc, it is the way to go.

Black cases look more modern although I personally dislike the blue-gray color of the keys. I would recommend USB, just because.

"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
How does a tiny fraction of the population get away with this? They do it by dividing the other 99% of Americans against themselves."
- Marc Sumner 2025-05-30

Offline IBMPCDOS5

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 58
  • I have no idea what to put here.
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:17:07 »
I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction but I don't care; and I also know that the black calling uses the EnduraPro casing which is I believe an M 13, but I love the style nonetheless. My main selling point is the USB without modification and switch better than MX Greens. Thanks for the suggestions!

Offline fatpolomanjr

  • Posts: 459
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:55:48 »
They would get so much instant money if they ever released a TKL keyboard.
Some guys keep on saying they believe in Jesus, and keep doing a lot of shameful things.
Current GH Classified Post (LF Arcade Floor, Garbield and CYM Otter and Keyng)

Offline IBMPCDOS5

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 58
  • I have no idea what to put here.
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:58:04 »
They would get so much instant money if they ever released a TKL keyboard.
I would get that. And it'd be a bit cheaper too...

Offline 1391406

  • Posts: 1191
  • Posts: 24838
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 18:22:51 »
Thanks! Here's a question; should I get the beige case or the black case? I've heard the beige cases are terrible quality, but maybe that's just the 101/104 versions.

It's likely the same quality as the black case. In my opinion, the black case is likely going to show the cosmetic imperfections on the case surface a bit more. At the end of the day, case color is a subjective, personal choice. I mean, I prefer the beige case, but that's me.
Unicomp Classic | Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blues) | IBM Model M (1391401) | IBM XT Model F | IBM AT Model F | Dell AT101W | 122-key IBM Model F
IBM Model M13 | Apple Extended Keyboard | Apple Extended Keyboard II | MTEK K104 | NTC KB-6251/2 | Realforce 87U | Realforce 104U | Type Heaven

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 18:55:36 »

I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction


A Unicomp has the same components as an IBM Model M. The back plate is probably about half the thickness and weight of the original 1986 one, but even IBM thinned it down incrementally through the years.
"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
How does a tiny fraction of the population get away with this? They do it by dividing the other 99% of Americans against themselves."
- Marc Sumner 2025-05-30

Offline IBMPCDOS5

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 58
  • I have no idea what to put here.
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:00:10 »

I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction


A Unicomp has the same components as an IBM Model M. The back plate is probably about half the thickness and weight of the original 1986 one, but even IBM thinned it down incrementally through the years.
Oh, I did not know that. Even so, I'm hoping to get this soon. I hope none of the keys glitch; I've heard that has happened often.

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:26:08 »

I hope none of the keys glitch; I've heard that has happened often.

I have only owned a couple of Unicomps but they have been great.

Customer service is exemplary, send it back if there's a problem - that's what warranties are for.
"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
How does a tiny fraction of the population get away with this? They do it by dividing the other 99% of Americans against themselves."
- Marc Sumner 2025-05-30

Offline kalrand

  • Posts: 119
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:31:09 »

I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction


A Unicomp has the same components as an IBM Model M. The back plate is probably about half the thickness and weight of the original 1986 one, but even IBM thinned it down incrementally through the years.

Along those lines, how does the flex on a 122-key Unicomp compare to one of the old IBMs. At one point I had a silver-badge IBM 122, and the typing was really solid. Then later, I had one of those super-discounted Unicomp M-122's that were floating around here about two years ago. The flex kind of sucked.

Is it that bad on their new keyboards? Does anyone know if they can do something like "build a new keyboard on an old plate"?
My 122 key Model M was born on July 25th, 1988.

Offline 1391406

  • Posts: 1191
  • Posts: 24838
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:32:52 »
I hope none of the keys glitch

Very, very little chance of that.

Unicomp Classic | Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blues) | IBM Model M (1391401) | IBM XT Model F | IBM AT Model F | Dell AT101W | 122-key IBM Model F
IBM Model M13 | Apple Extended Keyboard | Apple Extended Keyboard II | MTEK K104 | NTC KB-6251/2 | Realforce 87U | Realforce 104U | Type Heaven

Offline 1391406

  • Posts: 1191
  • Posts: 24838
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:36:07 »
Is it that bad on their new keyboards? Does anyone know if they can do something like "build a new keyboard on an old plate"?

I think the reason for the case flex has everything to do with the composition of the clamshell cover material, which was changed in 1999.
Unicomp Classic | Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blues) | IBM Model M (1391401) | IBM XT Model F | IBM AT Model F | Dell AT101W | 122-key IBM Model F
IBM Model M13 | Apple Extended Keyboard | Apple Extended Keyboard II | MTEK K104 | NTC KB-6251/2 | Realforce 87U | Realforce 104U | Type Heaven

Offline IBMPCDOS5

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 58
  • I have no idea what to put here.
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 19 October 2016, 21:13:56 »
So, to recap: The Unicomp keyboards seem to be a good alternative to the classic IBM Model M, and cheaper as well. Thanks for all the help, everyone! I'll be posting a review of the Unicomp Ultra-Classic in about two months, it'll be my Christmas gift to myself.

Offline iLLucionist

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 2735
  • Location: Netherlands
  • Topre is Love.
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #15 on: Thu, 20 October 2016, 18:55:28 »
You are in luck, i just recieved my new unicomp keyboard after having used a regular Model M for 4 years!

The built quality is worse, but not that noticable, but i do love the feel of the unicomp keys alot more! They feel alot more clean, prehaps a bit lighter even?
I have also tried a typewriter with buckling springs in it (i have it here at home), and the typewriter feels alot heavier, and more sticky (though it has been gathering dust for 30 years) than a regular IBM Model M.

If i were you, i would get the unicomp! Just be sure never to plug it into a USB Hub that is overvolted (my previous unicomp died because of that :( )

Heres a picture of it

Show Image


Dude, seriously, those caps and that color scheme look so sexy. You must be lucky, I'm not aware of many buckling spring aftermarket cap sets.
MJT2 Browns o-rings - HHKB White - ES-87 Smoke White Clears - 87UB 55g

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #16 on: Thu, 20 October 2016, 20:10:12 »

I'm not aware of many buckling spring aftermarket cap sets.

Unicomp will sell you any 1u key that you want, but they get very pricey when bought piecemeal.
"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
How does a tiny fraction of the population get away with this? They do it by dividing the other 99% of Americans against themselves."
- Marc Sumner 2025-05-30

Offline MKB

  • Posts: 73
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 02:14:05 »
They would get so much instant money if they ever released a TKL keyboard.

I would purchase several of them...
________________________________
Current:

Leopold Tenkeyless (Cherry Clears)
Leopold Tenkeyless (Cherry Reds)
Filco Tenkeyless Zero (White Fukkas)
Unicomp SpaceSaver 104 (Buckling Spring)

Past:

IBM Model F (Buckling Spring)
IBM Model M (Buckling Spring)
Northgate (White Alps)
Fujitsu (peerless)
HHKB Pro 2 (Topre)
Deck Legend (Cherry Blacks)
Deck 82 (Cherry Blacks)
Unicomp Customizer 104 (Buckling Spring)

Offline MKB

  • Posts: 73
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 02:15:51 »
So, to recap: The Unicomp keyboards seem to be a good alternative to the classic IBM Model M, and cheaper as well. Thanks for all the help, everyone! I'll be posting a review of the Unicomp Ultra-Classic in about two months, it'll be my Christmas gift to myself.

Great choice.  This is my favorite unicomp.  I always get black and USB.
________________________________
Current:

Leopold Tenkeyless (Cherry Clears)
Leopold Tenkeyless (Cherry Reds)
Filco Tenkeyless Zero (White Fukkas)
Unicomp SpaceSaver 104 (Buckling Spring)

Past:

IBM Model F (Buckling Spring)
IBM Model M (Buckling Spring)
Northgate (White Alps)
Fujitsu (peerless)
HHKB Pro 2 (Topre)
Deck Legend (Cherry Blacks)
Deck 82 (Cherry Blacks)
Unicomp Customizer 104 (Buckling Spring)

Offline y11971alex

  • Posts: 402
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
  • Looking for Toronto meetup
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 10:00:50 »
A side question — does Unicomp use the little legs as shown here to support the top part of the keyboard?
Keyboards owned: IBM Selectric | 3278 | 3101 | 5251 | Model F XT | AT | 122 (6110344) | Model M 1390120 | 1390131 | 1391472 | 1392464 (DisplayWriter SSK) | 1395100 (SSK) | Honeywell RD IBM 09F4230 | Leading Edge DC-2014 (Blue Alps) | Chicony 5891 (Monterey Blue) | E&E-101 (KPT Blue) | BTC 5100 | 5100C | 5369 | DEC VT100 (Hi-tek Linear) | Burroughs TP109 (Hall) | Realforce 87 (55g)

Keyboards wanted: IBM Model F 104 (Unsaver) | Model M 1391401

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 10:51:54 »

A side question — does Unicomp use the little legs as shown here to support the top part of the keyboard?


Model F and Model M are nothing alike whatsoever. Model M internals sit on plastic tabs and brackets molded into the bottom case shell.
"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
How does a tiny fraction of the population get away with this? They do it by dividing the other 99% of Americans against themselves."
- Marc Sumner 2025-05-30

Offline y11971alex

  • Posts: 402
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
  • Looking for Toronto meetup
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #21 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:00:58 »

A side question — does Unicomp use the little legs as shown here to support the top part of the keyboard?


Model F and Model M are nothing alike whatsoever. Model M internals sit on plastic tabs and brackets molded into the bottom case shell.
Ah, thanks.  Externally they look deceptively similar though.
Keyboards owned: IBM Selectric | 3278 | 3101 | 5251 | Model F XT | AT | 122 (6110344) | Model M 1390120 | 1390131 | 1391472 | 1392464 (DisplayWriter SSK) | 1395100 (SSK) | Honeywell RD IBM 09F4230 | Leading Edge DC-2014 (Blue Alps) | Chicony 5891 (Monterey Blue) | E&E-101 (KPT Blue) | BTC 5100 | 5100C | 5369 | DEC VT100 (Hi-tek Linear) | Burroughs TP109 (Hall) | Realforce 87 (55g)

Keyboards wanted: IBM Model F 104 (Unsaver) | Model M 1391401

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #22 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:03:52 »

Externally they look deceptively similar


They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.
"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
How does a tiny fraction of the population get away with this? They do it by dividing the other 99% of Americans against themselves."
- Marc Sumner 2025-05-30

Offline y11971alex

  • Posts: 402
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
  • Looking for Toronto meetup
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #23 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:07:58 »

Externally they look deceptively similar


They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.
Externally.
Keyboards owned: IBM Selectric | 3278 | 3101 | 5251 | Model F XT | AT | 122 (6110344) | Model M 1390120 | 1390131 | 1391472 | 1392464 (DisplayWriter SSK) | 1395100 (SSK) | Honeywell RD IBM 09F4230 | Leading Edge DC-2014 (Blue Alps) | Chicony 5891 (Monterey Blue) | E&E-101 (KPT Blue) | BTC 5100 | 5100C | 5369 | DEC VT100 (Hi-tek Linear) | Burroughs TP109 (Hall) | Realforce 87 (55g)

Keyboards wanted: IBM Model F 104 (Unsaver) | Model M 1391401

Offline 1391406

  • Posts: 1191
  • Posts: 24838
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #24 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:13:14 »

Externally they look deceptively similar


They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.
Externally.

Externally, the 122-key variants look similar.

Unicomp Classic | Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blues) | IBM Model M (1391401) | IBM XT Model F | IBM AT Model F | Dell AT101W | 122-key IBM Model F
IBM Model M13 | Apple Extended Keyboard | Apple Extended Keyboard II | MTEK K104 | NTC KB-6251/2 | Realforce 87U | Realforce 104U | Type Heaven

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #25 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 12:21:26 »

They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.

Externally.

And internally, nothing whatsoever.
"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
How does a tiny fraction of the population get away with this? They do it by dividing the other 99% of Americans against themselves."
- Marc Sumner 2025-05-30

Offline Bucake

  • Posts: 945
  • Location: The Netherlands
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 15:11:57 »
the biggest downside is trading a cool logo for a non-cool one :D
IBM Model F XT // Realforce 87U 55g Type-S // HHKBP2 45g Type-S // KBT Pure Pro Cherry MX Red

Offline y11971alex

  • Posts: 402
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
  • Looking for Toronto meetup
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 21 October 2016, 16:15:16 »
Keyboards owned: IBM Selectric | 3278 | 3101 | 5251 | Model F XT | AT | 122 (6110344) | Model M 1390120 | 1390131 | 1391472 | 1392464 (DisplayWriter SSK) | 1395100 (SSK) | Honeywell RD IBM 09F4230 | Leading Edge DC-2014 (Blue Alps) | Chicony 5891 (Monterey Blue) | E&E-101 (KPT Blue) | BTC 5100 | 5100C | 5369 | DEC VT100 (Hi-tek Linear) | Burroughs TP109 (Hall) | Realforce 87 (55g)

Keyboards wanted: IBM Model F 104 (Unsaver) | Model M 1391401

Offline Minnie2

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 122
  • Location: Portland, Oregon
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #28 on: Wed, 26 October 2016, 00:12:17 »
just buy
    A Bro Caps Fan

Just wanted to make sure everyone sees that information. A lot of people missed it ;)

Offline Crapbag

  • Posts: 28
Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
« Reply #29 on: Wed, 26 October 2016, 08:53:20 »